Views: 425 Author: Nanjing Taidun Publish Time: 2026-04-05 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● What Is ISO 17357-1:2014? A Brief History
● Scope of ISO 17357-1:2014 – What It Covers (and What It Doesn't)
>> What the Standard Does NOT Cover
● The 2014 Revision – What Changed from ISO 17357:2002?
>> 1. Tire Cord Material Specifications
>> 2. End Fitting Size Specifications
>> 3. 10-Year Recertification Requirement
● Key Technical Requirements Under ISO 17357-1:2014
● Testing and Inspection Procedures Under ISO 17357-1:2014
>> Prototype Testing (Type Approval)
● User Feedback – Real-World Perspectives on ISO Compliance
● ISO 17357-1:2014 vs. Other Standards – A Quick Comparison
● How Nanjing Taidun Ensures ISO 17357-1:2014 Compliance
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When a 300,000-ton crude oil tanker approaches an offshore terminal for a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer, the margin for error is zero. The fenders separating those two vessels must perform flawlessly. A single failure can mean hull damage, environmental disaster, and millions in liability.
This is why ISO 17357-1:2014 – Ships and marine technology – Floating pneumatic rubber fenders – Part 1: High pressure exists. It is the international benchmark for pneumatic fender quality, safety, and performance.
In this guide, I will draw on two decades of OEM manufacturing experience at Nanjing Taidun to explain what this standard means, why it matters, and how to ensure your fenders meet its rigorous requirements.
The story of ISO 17357 begins in Japan. In 1958, Yokohama Rubber Company manufactured the world's first floating pneumatic fenders. Over the following decades, these products became the industry gold standard, accounting for approximately 60% of pneumatic fenders in use worldwide .
When the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) first published ISO 17357 in 2002, it was based directly on Yokohama's existing specifications and performance standards. Users had highly evaluated these products for their durability and strength .
ISO 17357-1:2014 was published in January 2014 as a revision to the original 2002 standard . The update added three critical new requirements:
| New Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tire cord material specifications | Ensures reinforcing layer meets minimum strength standards |
| End fitting size specifications | Prevents undersized, failure-prone hardware |
| 10-year recertification requirement | Mandates periodic revalidation of in-service fenders |
This standard specifies the material, performance, and dimensions of high-pressure floating pneumatic rubber fenders (operating pressure ≥0.5 MPa), which are intended for berthing and mooring operations between ships or between ships and berthing structures .
Understanding the precise scope of this standard is essential for proper application.
ISO 17357-1:2014 applies to high-pressure floating pneumatic rubber fenders and specifies requirements for:
| Category | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Materials | Rubber compounds, reinforcement cord (tire cord), end fittings, valves |
| Performance | Energy absorption, reaction force, compression set, rebound resilience |
| Dimensions | Diameter, length, flange sizes, bead ring specifications |
| Testing | Compression tests, air-tightness validation, puncture resistance |
| Inspection | Factory acceptance testing, prototype validation, commercial batch testing |
| Documentation | Marking, test reports, certification requirements |
The standard explicitly states: *"ISO 17357-1:2014 does not address any safety hazards associated with its use. It is the user's responsibility to establish appropriate safety and health practices"* .
This means:
- Installation safety is outside the standard's scope
- Operational procedures are not specified
- Maintenance schedules are left to user discretion (though PIANC WG 96 provides guidance)
For European buyers, note that REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) compliance is also required—this is separate from ISO certification .
The 2014 revision introduced three major changes that every buyer and manufacturer should understand .
The reinforcing layer of a pneumatic fender—the synthetic tire cord that gives the fender its strength—was not specifically defined in the 2002 standard. The 2014 revision now mandates clear specifications for this critical component.
Why this matters: The tire cord is the structural backbone of the fender. Poor-quality cord can lead to:
- Premature bursting under load
- Inconsistent energy absorption
- Catastrophic failure during STS operations
End fittings—the metal attachments that connect the fender to mooring chains—are now subject to dimensional requirements.
Why this matters: Undersized fittings are a common failure point. In the field, I have seen shackles and bead rings fail because they were manufactured to the lowest possible standard. The 2014 revision closes this loophole.
Perhaps the most significant change: fenders must be recertified after 10 years of service.
Why this matters: Rubber ages. Even with perfect maintenance, material properties degrade over time. The recertification requirement forces operators to:
- Re-test in-service fenders
- Replace or repair degraded units
- Maintain documented compliance throughout the fender's lifecycle
For manufacturers and procurement specialists, these are the technical specifications that matter most.
| Material | Required Properties |
|---|---|
| Rubber cover | Shore A hardness: 50–60; tensile strength ≥18 MPa; elongation ≥450% |
| Tire cord | Polyester or nylon; tensile strength ≥2,500 kN/m |
| End fittings | Corrosion-resistant steel; dimensions per annex specifications |
| Valves | Leak-proof design; corrosion-resistant materials |
All rubber materials must pass accelerated aging tests per ISO 188 and ozone resistance tests per ISO 1431-1 .
For a standard 2,000mm diameter pneumatic fender, ISO 17357-1:2014 specifies :
| Performance Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Energy absorption | ≥150 kN·m at 60% deflection |
| Reaction force | ≤600 kN at 60% deflection |
| Compression cycles | ≥2,500 cycles with <5% permanent deformation |
| Air-tightness | <3% pressure loss over 72 hours |
These values scale with fender size. Larger fenders (3,000mm diameter) must absorb 400–450 kN·m with reaction forces between 1,200–1,300 kN .
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Diameter | ±3% |
| Length | ±3% |
| Flange opening | Per annex specifications |
| Bead ring | Per annex specifications |
These tolerances are critical for:
- Proper chain and shackle fitment
- Consistent performance across multiple fenders
- Interchangeability between manufacturers
Compliance is not just about design—it must be proven through rigorous testing.
Before commercial production begins, a prototype fender must pass :
| Test | Procedure | Pass/Fail Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Compression test | Compress to 65-70% deflection at 0.1 m/s | Meets or exceeds guaranteed energy absorption |
| Air-tightness test | 72-hour pressure decay monitoring | ≤3% pressure loss |
| Puncture resistance | 25mm steel protrusion at 60% compression | No rupture |
| Accelerated aging | Heat/ozone exposure per ISO standards | Property degradation within limits |
Every commercial batch must be tested to verify consistency :
1. Sample selection: One fender per batch (or per ISO sampling plan)
2. Compression verification: Confirm energy absorption and reaction force meet ratings
3. Dimensional inspection: Verify diameter, length, and fitting dimensions
4. Marking verification: Confirm proper labeling per Section 10 of the standard
ISO 17357-1:2014 allows for inspection by a qualified independent inspection service . Major classification societies providing this service include:
- ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
- DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
- LR (Lloyd's Register)
- BV (Bureau Veritas)
- CCS (China Classification Society)
Third-party certification adds credibility and may be required for certain projects, particularly those involving oil majors or government contracts .
We asked our global OEM clients about their experience with ISO 17357-1:2014 compliance. Here is what they shared:
> *"Before we started specifying ISO 17357-1:2014 compliant fenders, we received products with wide variations in quality. Some would last 10 years; others would fail in 18 months. Now, with certified suppliers, we have consistency. Our maintenance costs have dropped by 40%."*
> — *Procurement Manager, Southeast Asian Port Operator*
> *"The 10-year recertification requirement was initially a concern—we thought it would add cost. But it has actually helped us identify aging fenders before they become safety issues. We now recertify on a rolling schedule."*
> — *Maintenance Director, Middle East LNG Terminal*
> *"Not all ISO certificates are equal. We've seen suppliers claim compliance but deliver fenders that don't meet dimensional tolerances. Now we require third-party inspection reports from recognized classification societies."*
> — *Engineering Consultant, European Marine Infrastructure*
Pneumatic fenders are subject to multiple standards and guidelines. Understanding the differences is crucial for proper specification .
| Standard | Focus | Key Difference from ISO 17357-1 |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 17357-2:2014 | Low-pressure fenders (≤0.3 MPa) | Different pressure range; lighter applications |
| PIANC Guidelines | System design & application | Performance-based; covers installation and spacing |
| OCIMF Guidelines | Tanker terminal fenders | Industry-specific; more conservative safety factors |
| BSI PAS 2070:2021 | LNG facility requirements | Adds flame-retardant and chemical stability requirements |
For most STS and ship-to-quay applications, ISO 17357-1:2014 is the baseline. PIANC and OCIMF should be consulted for system design and high-risk applications .
At Nanjing Taidun Marine Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd. , ISO compliance is not a marketing claim—it is a manufacturing discipline.
Our compliance process includes:
| Stage | Actions |
|---|---|
| Material sourcing | Certified rubber compounds; traceable tire cord from approved mills |
| Manufacturing | Automated vulcanization with ±2°C temperature control; laser dimensional inspection |
| In-process testing | Continuous monitoring of pressure, temperature, and cure time |
| Final testing | Full compression testing per ISO protocols; 72-hour air-tightness validation |
| Documentation | Complete traceability from raw material to finished product |
We serve brand owners, wholesalers, and production facilities in over 80 countries. When you partner with Taidun, you get documented ISO 17357-1:2014 compliance—not just a certificate.
ISO 17357-1:2014 – Ships and marine technology – Floating pneumatic rubber fenders is the international benchmark for quality and safety. It protects your vessels, your crew, and your bottom line.
Do not accept vague claims of compliance. Demand documented test reports, third-party certification, and traceable materials.
[Contact the Nanjing Taidun Engineering Team] for a compliance consultation or to request ISO 17357-1:2014 test documentation for our fender products. We support ports, terminals, and marine operators worldwide.
Q1: What is the difference between ISO 17357-1:2014 and ISO 17357-2:2014?
A: ISO 17357-1 covers high-pressure pneumatic fenders (≥0.5 MPa), used for STS transfers and large vessel berthing. ISO 17357-2 covers low-pressure fenders (≤0.3 MPa), typically used for smaller vessels and inland ports .
Q2: When was ISO 17357-1:2014 published, and what did it change?
A: It was published in January 2014, replacing the 2002 version. Key changes added specifications for tire cord material, end fitting sizes, and a mandatory 10-year recertification requirement .
Q3: Does ISO 17357-1:2014 cover safety hazards?
A: No. The standard explicitly states it does not address safety hazards. Users must establish their own safety practices for installation, operation, and maintenance .
Q4: What testing is required for ISO 17357-1:2014 compliance?
A: Prototype testing includes compression tests, air-tightness (72-hour), puncture resistance, and accelerated aging. Production batches require sample testing to verify energy absorption, reaction force, and dimensions .
Q5: How does ISO 17357-1:2014 relate to PIANC guidelines?
A: ISO 17357 is a product standard (certifying individual fenders). PIANC provides system design guidelines (determining how fenders should be spaced, installed, and maintained). Both should be used together for a complete fender solution .
1. AFNOR Editions. *ISO 17357-1:2014 – Ships and marine technology – Floating pneumatic rubber fenders – Part 1: High pressure*. (2014). [https://www.boutique.afnor.org/]
2. Nanjing Taidun Marine Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd. *ISO 17357 vs. PIANC Guidelines: A Technical Deep Dive for European Port Operators*. (2026). [https://www.taidunmarine.com/iso-17357-vs-pianc-guidelines-a-technical-deep-dive-for-european-port-operators-selecting-marine-fender-systems.html]
3. Nanjing Taidun Marine Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd. *How to Do Rubber Fender Reaction Force and Energy Absorption Performance Test: Full Standard Procedure*. (2026). [https://www.taidunmarine.com/how-to-do-rubber-fender-reaction-force-and-energy-absorption-performance-test-full-standard-procedure.html]
4. Intertek Inform. *BS ISO 17357-1:2014 – Ships and marine technology – Floating pneumatic rubber fenders – High pressure*. (2014). [https://www.intertekinform.com/]
5. LVS Standardization. *ISO 17357-1:2014 – Project Overview*. [https://www.lvs.lv/en/committees/project/5575]
